The gold mines of West Africa provided great wealth to West African Empires such as Ghana and Mali. Other items that were commonly traded included ivory, kola nuts, cloth, slaves, metal goods, and beads. As trade developed across Africa, major cities developed as centers for trade.
One of the main reasons why trade in West Africa was so important is because this was the "hub" of the African part of the Triangle Trade--meaning that a large majority of the slaves used in the New World came from West Africa.
Feeling nervous because he was charged with something he didnt do and he would also be a little bit scared and would try to get evidence from the scene to convince the jury and the judge that he didnt do it and that would take courage